Preparedness in robotically assisted interventions

• Published in: Current urology reports Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 101 - 108
• Main Authors: Coste-Manière, Eve, Adhami, Louaï, Antiphon, Patrick, Abbou, Clément-Claude
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2003
• Subjects: Humans; Laparoscopy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Nephrectomy - methods; Punctures; Robotics; Urologic Surgical Procedures - methods
• ISSN: 1527-2737; 1534-6285
• DOI: 10.1007/s11934-003-0035-x

For many years, robots have been used in manufacturing to perform a variety of delicate tasks. Their use is now being generalized to other fields, such as biology, domestic applications, and especially medicine, in which they are poised to make a significant contribution. This evolution comes from the progress made in the field of robotics and from recent changes in medical and surgical techniques, namely, developments in medical imaging and a new desire for minimally invasive interventions. This emerging combination of high-precision robotic manipulators, new medical diagnostic techniques, and efficient minimally invasive surgery has not yet been perfected. After a brief discussion of state-of-the-art robotic systems used in urology, this article discusses new challenges presented by robotic minimally invasive surgery. A computer-integrated approach aimed at increasing the efficiency of such interventions through better preparedness is presented. This approach is illustrated by a case study in human nephrectomy and a cardiac animal experiment.